Medicare rebates can make accessing a psychologist in Melbourne more affordable, but the process can sometimes feel confusing. Many people are unsure about what’s covered, how referrals work, and how to maximise their support under a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP).
To make things easier, we’ve created this comprehensive Medicare psychologist FAQ. This page answers common questions about Medicare rebates, including how many sessions you can access, when you need a new referral, and what to do if your plan needs to be reviewed.
If you still have questions after reading, feel free to reach out to Cova Psychology in Melbourne CBD—our team is happy to assist. We also keep this guide updated to ensure accuracy, but for the most up-to-date rebate details, you can contact Medicare directly.
For more general information about our services, therapy options, and what to expect when seeing a psychologist, visit our General FAQ page. Looking for information on private health rebates or general psychology fees? Visit our Fees & Rebates page.
The Better Access to Mental Health Care Scheme helps Australians access a Medicare psychologist in Melbourne and across Australia by providing rebates for mental health services. This initiative makes psychological support more accessible and affordable.
Through this scheme, eligible individuals can receive Medicare-rebated psychology sessions in Melbourne when referred by a GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician under a Mental Health Care Plan.This allows people to access evidence-based therapy with registered psychologists, clinical psychologists, and accredited mental health social workers.
Under the Better Access Initiative, you can claim up to 10 Medicare-rebated psychology sessions per calendar year. In some cases, additional support may be available, which we explain further in this guide.
Many people use Medicare-funded psychology sessions in Melbourne to access therapies such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). These treatments help with various mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, and stress-related conditions. If you’re looking for a Medicare psychologist in Melbourne, this guide will help you understand your options.
The Better Access to Mental Health Care Scheme helps Australians access a Medicare psychologist in Melbourne and across Australia by providing rebates for mental health services. This initiative makes psychological support more accessible and affordable.
Through this scheme, eligible individuals can receive Medicare-rebated psychology sessions in Melbourne when referred by a GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician under a Mental Health Care Plan.This allows people to access evidence-based therapy with registered psychologists, clinical psychologists, and accredited mental health social workers.
Under the Better Access Initiative, you can claim up to 10 Medicare-rebated psychology sessions per calendar year. In some cases, additional support may be available, which we explain further in this guide.
Many people use Medicare-funded psychology sessions in Melbourne to access therapies such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). These treatments help with various mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, and stress-related conditions. If you’re looking for a Medicare psychologist in Melbourne, this guide will help you understand your options.
You can access Medicare rebates for psychology sessions through two main pathways:
Through your GP – Most people obtain a Medicare rebate by visiting their general practitioner (GP), who will create a Mental Health Care Plan and provide a referral to a psychologist.
Through a psychiatrist – A psychiatrist can also refer you to a psychologist. Unlike a GP, they do not create a Mental Health Care Plan. Instead, they provide a referral letter that allows you to access Medicare rebates.
You can access Medicare rebates for psychology sessions through two main pathways:
Through your GP – Most people obtain a Medicare rebate by visiting their general practitioner (GP), who will create a Mental Health Care Plan and provide a referral to a psychologist.
Through a psychiatrist – A psychiatrist can also refer you to a psychologist. Unlike a GP, they do not create a Mental Health Care Plan. Instead, they provide a referral letter that allows you to access Medicare rebates.
A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is a document prepared by a GP to help individuals experiencing mental health challenges access Medicare rebates for psychology sessions. It makes therapy more affordable by subsidizing sessions with psychologists, clinical psychologists, and accredited mental health social workers.
An MHCP outlines your mental health concerns and a structured treatment approach. It is sometimes referred to as a Mental Health Treatment Plan. However, having a Mental Health Care Plan alone is not enough—you must also obtain a referral from your GP to claim Medicare rebates.
At Cova Psychology, our Medicare psychologists in Melbourne provide rebated therapy sessions for individuals with a Mental Health Care Plan. If you see a psychiatrist instead of a GP, they can also provide a referral letter that functions similarly to a GP-created plan.
A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is a document prepared by a GP to help individuals experiencing mental health challenges access Medicare rebates for psychology sessions. It makes therapy more affordable by subsidizing sessions with psychologists, clinical psychologists, and accredited mental health social workers.
An MHCP outlines your mental health concerns and a structured treatment approach. It is sometimes referred to as a Mental Health Treatment Plan. However, having a Mental Health Care Plan alone is not enough—you must also obtain a referral from your GP to claim Medicare rebates.
At Cova Psychology, our Medicare psychologists in Melbourne provide rebated therapy sessions for individuals with a Mental Health Care Plan. If you see a psychiatrist instead of a GP, they can also provide a referral letter that functions similarly to a GP-created plan.
A standard Mental Health Care Plan provides Medicare rebates for psychology sessions to support people experiencing mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD, and stress. This plan allows access to up to 10 Medicare-rebated psychology sessions per year. Your GP must provide an initial referral for six sessions, followed by a review and re-referral for the remaining four sessions.
After using all 10 sessions under a Mental Health Care Plan, some people may qualify for additional support through a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP). Previously called an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) Plan, this option supports individuals managing the psychological effects of chronic physical health conditions. For example, someone experiencing anxiety or depression due to a chronic illness may benefit from this plan.
The CDMP allows access to up to five Medicare-rebated sessions per calendar year with a psychologist or another allied health provider. Speak with your GP to determine if you are eligible. Note that Medicare rebates under this plan are lower than those provided under a standard Mental Health Care Plan.
An Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan (EDP) supports individuals diagnosed with an eating disorder. This plan provides access to more intensive psychological support tailored to the complexity of eating disorder treatment.
How many Medicare-rebated psychology sessions can I access under an EDP?
You can access up to 40 Medicare-rebated psychology sessions within 12 months. The referral structure is as follows:
The Medicare rebate amount depends on the type of plan you are using for your psychology sessions. Below are the current rebate amounts as of July 2024:
This plan provides Medicare rebates for up to 10 psychology sessions per calendar year. The rebate amount varies based on the type of mental health professional you see:
If you qualify for a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP), you can access up to five additional Medicare-rebated sessions per year. The rebate amount for all mental health professionals under this plan is lower than the standard MHCP:
The Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan (EDP) provides up to 40 rebated psychology sessions within 12 months. The Medicare rebate rates for these sessions are:
People often use “referral” and “Mental Health Care Plan” interchangeably, but they are different documents.
You must have both a referral and a Mental Health Care Plan to claim Medicare rebates for psychology sessions.
People often use “referral” and “Mental Health Care Plan” interchangeably, but they are different documents.
You must have both a referral and a Mental Health Care Plan to claim Medicare rebates for psychology sessions.
If you are eligible for Medicare and struggling with your mental health, you can ask your GP for a Mental Health Care Plan and referral to a psychologist.
You qualify for Medicare if you live in Australia and are:
To obtain a Mental Health Care Plan, you need an extended GP appointment, which usually lasts at least 30 minutes. When booking, inform the clinic that you require a Mental Health Care Plan so they can allocate enough time.
To obtain a Mental Health Care Plan, you need an extended GP appointment, which usually lasts at least 30 minutes. When booking, inform the clinic that you require a Mental Health Care Plan so they can allocate enough time.
During your appointment, your GP will work with you to create a Mental Health Care Plan. This includes:
It’s normal to feel nervous before this appointment. You might find it helpful to prepare a list of mental health concerns you’d like to discuss, such as trauma, anxiety, or mood-related difficulties.
Your GP will also provide a referral letter to a psychologist, which is a separate document from your Mental Health Care Plan. Your psychologist must have this referral in order for Medicare rebates to be processed.
No, you do not need to have a psychologist booked before seeing your GP. If you are unsure who you want to see, your GP can write an open referral letter addressed to “Dear Psychologist.”
If you have a specific psychologist in mind, let your GP know so they can address the referral to them. Before doing so, consider reaching out to the psychologist’s clinic to check:
Some people prefer to book a psychologist first and then see their GP for a referral. However, you can also find a psychologist after obtaining your Mental Health Care Plan.
No, you do not need to have a psychologist booked before seeing your GP. If you are unsure who you want to see, your GP can write an open referral letter addressed to “Dear Psychologist.”
If you have a specific psychologist in mind, let your GP know so they can address the referral to them. Before doing so, consider reaching out to the psychologist’s clinic to check:
Some people prefer to book a psychologist first and then see their GP for a referral. However, you can also find a psychologist after obtaining your Mental Health Care Plan.
For a referral to be valid under Medicare, it must include:
For your Medicare rebates to be processed, your psychologist must have your referral letter. While it can be useful for them to have a copy of your Mental Health Care Plan, it is the referral that allows you to claim rebates.
Your GP may provide you with printed copies of your Mental Health Care Plan and referral, which you can pass on to your psychologist. Some GP clinics send referrals directly to the psychologist. Medicare rebates cannot be processed until your psychologist has received the referral.
For your Medicare rebates to be processed, your psychologist must have your referral letter. While it can be useful for them to have a copy of your Mental Health Care Plan, it is the referral that allows you to claim rebates.
Your GP may provide you with printed copies of your Mental Health Care Plan and referral, which you can pass on to your psychologist. Some GP clinics send referrals directly to the psychologist. Medicare rebates cannot be processed until your psychologist has received the referral.
If your referral is addressed to a psychologist who is unavailable, you can still use it for another psychologist. Medicare allows referrals to be transferred even if the name on the referral does not match the psychologist you choose.
If your referral is addressed to a psychologist who is unavailable, you can still use it for another psychologist. Medicare allows referrals to be transferred even if the name on the referral does not match the psychologist you choose.
If you have a Mental Health Care Plan, you can access up to 10 Medicare rebates for psychology sessions each calendar year. Your initial referral allows you to claim Medicare rebates for six sessions. After your sixth session, you’ll need to return to your GP for a review. If your doctor agrees that further support is needed, they can provide a re-referral for the remaining four sessions.
Medicare rebates for psychology sessions do not roll over into the next year. No matter when you start, the maximum number of rebated sessions you can access in a single calendar year is 10.
If you have a Mental Health Care Plan, you can access up to 10 Medicare rebates for psychology sessions each calendar year. Your initial referral allows you to claim Medicare rebates for six sessions. After your sixth session, you’ll need to return to your GP for a review. If your doctor agrees that further support is needed, they can provide a re-referral for the remaining four sessions.
Medicare rebates for psychology sessions do not roll over into the next year. No matter when you start, the maximum number of rebated sessions you can access in a single calendar year is 10.
Once you’ve used all the Medicare rebates on your referral—usually after six sessions—your psychologist will send a progress update to your GP. If you’re eligible for additional sessions under your Mental Health Care Plan, your psychologist may recommend that your doctor provide a re-referral.
To continue accessing Medicare rebates for psychology, you’ll need to visit your GP for a review. If approved, you can receive a new referral for up to four more rebated sessions.
Mental Health Care Plans do not have an expiry date. However, if your mental health needs change significantly, your GP may review your plan and update your treatment approach.
Referrals also remain valid, but many psychology clinics require them to be dated within the past 12 months. This ensures your referral reflects your current situation and treatment needs.
Mental Health Care Plans do not have an expiry date. However, if your mental health needs change significantly, your GP may review your plan and update your treatment approach.
Referrals also remain valid, but many psychology clinics require them to be dated within the past 12 months. This ensures your referral reflects your current situation and treatment needs.
Yes, you can claim Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy under Medicare if you have a valid Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician.
EMDR is an evidence-based therapy often used to treat trauma and PTSD. Many psychologists in Melbourne, including those at Cova Psychology, offer EMDR as part of their therapeutic services.
To be eligible for a Medicare rebate, your EMDR sessions must be provided by a registered Medicare psychologist in Melbourne, and the treatment must fall within the scope of your referral under the Better Access Initiative.
Yes, you can claim Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy under Medicare if you have a valid Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician.
EMDR is an evidence-based therapy often used to treat trauma and PTSD. Many psychologists in Melbourne, including those at Cova Psychology, offer EMDR as part of their therapeutic services.
To be eligible for a Medicare rebate, your EMDR sessions must be provided by a registered Medicare psychologist in Melbourne, and the treatment must fall within the scope of your referral under the Better Access Initiative.
No, Medicare does not cover couples therapy. Mental Health Care Plans only apply to individual treatment for diagnosed mental health conditions. While relationship difficulties can impact mental well-being, Medicare rebates are designed for therapies that address individual mental health concerns rather than couples counselling.
If you are unsure whether Medicare applies to your situation, we recommend speaking with your GP. Alternatively, you can contact Cova Psychology to discuss alternative options for relationship therapy.
No, neuropsychological assessments and psychometric testing are not covered by Medicare. These assessments, which evaluate cognitive function, memory, and neurodivergence (such as Autism or ADHD), are not included under the Better Access Initiative.
If you require neuropsychology services, you may be able to access support through:
If you need guidance on neuropsychological assessments, feel free to contact Cova Psychology to discuss your options.
No, neuropsychological assessments and psychometric testing are not covered by Medicare. These assessments, which evaluate cognitive function, memory, and neurodivergence (such as Autism or ADHD), are not included under the Better Access Initiative.
If you require neuropsychology services, you may be able to access support through:
If you need guidance on neuropsychological assessments, feel free to contact Cova Psychology to discuss your options.
Yes, if your private health insurance covers psychology services, you may be able to claim rebates. However, you cannot claim both Medicare and private health insurance for the same session. You will need to decide whether to use your Medicare rebate or make a claim through your private health fund.
We recommend checking with your health insurance provider to understand:
If you are unsure whether Medicare or private health insurance is the best option for you, feel free to discuss this with your psychologist or GP.
For further information, you can contact Medicare directly on 132 011 or visit the Medicare website.
If you need assistance navigating Medicare rebates for psychology, our team at Cova Psychology in Melbourne CBD can help. We provide Medicare-rebated therapy sessions and can guide you through the process of accessing psychological support.
For further information, you can contact Medicare directly on 132 011 or visit the Medicare website.
If you need assistance navigating Medicare rebates for psychology, our team at Cova Psychology in Melbourne CBD can help. We provide Medicare-rebated therapy sessions and can guide you through the process of accessing psychological support.
If you are new to therapy, you may also find our Top Tips for Making Therapy Work page helpful for getting the most out of your sessions.
Seeing a Medicare-rebated psychologist in Melbourne can make mental health care more affordable and accessible. If you have any questions about Medicare rebates or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out to Cova Psychology.
Our team in Melbourne CBD can guide you through the process and help you find the right psychologist for your needs. For more details, visit our general FAQ section, where we answer common questions about our practice, therapy options, and accessing a psychologist in Melbourne.
If you are new to therapy, you may also find our Top Tips for Making Therapy Work page helpful for getting the most out of your sessions.
Seeing a Medicare-rebated psychologist in Melbourne can make mental health care more affordable and accessible. If you have any questions about Medicare rebates or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out to Cova Psychology.
Our team in Melbourne CBD can guide you through the process and help you find the right psychologist for your needs. For more details, visit our general FAQ section, where we answer common questions about our practice, therapy options, and accessing a psychologist in Melbourne.
Understanding Medicare rebates for psychology sessions can sometimes feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. If you need further guidance, our team at Cova Psychology in Melbourne CBD is happy to assist.
For more details on our session fees, Medicare rebates, and private billing options, visit our Psychologist Fees page.
For general information on our services, therapy options, and what to expect when working with a psychologist, visit our General FAQ page.
If you’re ready to start therapy with a Medicare psychologist in Melbourne, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Medicare rebates are just one way to reduce your session costs. To explore private health rebates and general fee information, visit our Fees & Rebates page.
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